Bell being found again
DALLAS - Trying not to get lost in the shuffle, former Wilmer Hutchins High School junior star Derrius Bell was forced, along with his teammates, to make a change before his junior season to a new campus and new program.
Now, at Arlington (Texas) Grace Prep, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound speedster Bell is ready to put his stamp on the new program after a solid junior campaign this last fall.
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Though he is listed as a top corner prospects, his skills at receiver are something he prides himself on.
"I think that receiver really fits me, but I do like defense," Bell said. "I think I'm a team player on offense. I like to block and there aren't many guys who like to do that. I catch the ball pretty well and I've got good enough speed."
"On defense, I'm very aggressive and I've got a good jam on the line. I can run pretty much with any receiver that steps on the field."
Baylor stepped up to the plate first with an offer. Three other schools are on him heavily and those make up his early top four.
"Oklahoma is coming on strong after me, UTEP is high on my list because my brother plays there, and Alabama has been all of a sudden sending me a lot of stuff," Bell said. "I went to the Baylor junior day a couple of weeks ago and I really liked their defensive backs coach."
Both the Sooners and the Crimson Tide have surprised him with their recent mail.
"I've just always liked Oklahoma," Bell said. "I've watched the Red River shootout for so long and they have a lot of tradition with all of those national titles. Alabama just really started coming on late. I am leaning towards Big 12 schools, but I am interested in them as well."
Even though the season is not in session, you won't find Bell not working hard. He describes himself as a player who "loves to work out" and that definitely has college coaches excited for his growth.
In fact, Bell didn't waste anytime moving his routine from the school to his home.
"I've got a weight set at my house now, so I don't need to be pushed to work out," Bell said. "I take it seriously along with academics. If you don't work hard on both of those things, you just won't make it."